the thirteenth throne

Chapter Five:The First Trial

The first rays of dawn spilled over the eastern mountains. For the first time in hours... Silence surrounded them.

Eleanor sat beside a narrow stream, washing the soot from her hands.

Across the campfire, Haniel sharpened his spear. Neither had spoken since leaving the battlefield.

The Guardian Dragon stood on a nearby cliff, watching the horizon.

Then... It spreads its wings. Golden light poured from its body, illuminating the valley.

"Eleanor."

The Guardian's voice echoed through her mind. She stood immediately.

"I am here."

"The war has begun."

"I know."

"No."

The Guardian's eyes glowed brighter.

"You know only the beginning." The earth trembled. A circle of ancient runes appeared beneath Eleanor's feet. One by one, glowing images rose into the air.

A crown. A broken throne.

Thirteen stars.

Then... A magnificent staff appeared.

It floated above the runes, carved from white crystal and wrapped in golden vines. At its peak rested a brilliant sapphire that seemed to contain an entire galaxy.

Eleanor stared in amazement.

"What is it?"

The Guardian lowered its head.

"The Celestial Scepter."

"The first relic of the Ancient Thrones."

"It chooses only a worthy ruler."

Haniel's expression darkened.

"So..."

"It still exists."

The Guardian nodded.

"But no one knows where it rests."

The glowing image disappeared.

In its place appeared a single sentence written in ancient runes. Haniel read it aloud.

"Only the voice that heals the broken earth shall awaken the sleeping sky."

Eleanor blinked.

"I don't understand."

"You aren't supposed to."

A gentle laugh echoed through the valley. It wasn't Haniel. It wasn't the Guardian.

Both turned toward the forest. A young woman stepped from between the trees.

She wore a flowing emerald cloak embroidered with silver leaves. Around her waist hung dozens of tiny crystal flutes that chimed softly as she walked.

Long chestnut hair framed a calm face, and her bright green eyes sparkled with curiosity.

The Guardian smiled.

"She has arrived."

The young woman bowed gracefully.

"My name is Lyra."

"I am the Keeper of Harmonia."

"The Guardian of Songs." Eleanor frowned.

"You've been following us?"

Lyra smiled mischievously.

"For three days." Haniel sighed.

"I knew someone was there."

"You always know," Lyra replied with a grin.

She reached into her cloak and produced a weathered scroll. "This was left for the next bearer of the Alpha Gem." Eleanor accepted it carefully. The parchment was old—older than any book she had ever seen.

Across the top, written in silver ink, were the words: The Seven Relics of the Guardians

Below the title... One name glowed brighter than the rest. The Celestial Scepter

Lyra looked at Eleanor.

"If Queen Theresa reaches it first..."

"...every Guardian will fall."

The wind suddenly grew cold.

High above them, a black hawk circled the sky. Haniel looked up. His expression hardened.

"We're being watched."

Far away...

Hidden on a cliff overlooking the valley...

A hooded figure lowered a golden telescope.

He smiled.

"So..."

"The Alpha Bearer has finally begun her journey." He disappeared into the mist before anyone noticed him.